Patent application title: Modular checkout counter

Abstract:

A modular checkout counter includes a center showcase having first and
second ends, a generally elongated left hand showcase provided at the
first end of the center showcase, a generally elongated right hand
showcase provided at the second end of the center showcase, a box top
assembly carried by the center showcase, a left rack assembly carried by
one of the center showcase and the left hand showcase and oriented at an
obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the left hand
showcase and a right rack assembly carried by one of the center showcase
and the right hand showcase generally adjacent to the left rack assembly
and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of
the right hand showcase.

Claims:

1. A modular checkout counter, comprising:a center showcase having first
and second ends;a generally elongated left hand showcase provided at said
first end of said center showcase;a generally elongated right hand
showcase provided at said second end of said center showcase;a box top
assembly carried by said center showcase;a left rack assembly carried by
one of said center showcase and said left hand showcase and oriented at
an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said left hand
showcase; anda right rack assembly carried by one of said center showcase
and said right hand showcase generally adjacent to said left rack
assembly and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal
axis of said right hand showcase.

2. The modular checkout counter of claim 1 wherein said center showcase
comprises a pair of spaced-apart center showcase end frames and a
plurality of rails extending between said center showcase end frames.

3. The modular checkout counter of claim 2 further comprising a kick plate
extending between said center showcase end frames.

4. The modular checkout counter of claim 2 further comprising at least one
slotted upright member having a plurality of slots carried by at least
one of said center showcase end frames.

5. The modular checkout counter of claim 2 further comprising a pair of
sliding doors extending between a pair of said plurality of rails of said
center showcase.

6. The modular checkout counter of claim 2 further comprising a pair of
end frame insert panels provided in said center showcase end frames,
respectively.

7. The modular checkout counter of claim 1 further comprising a top panel
carried by said box top assembly, said left rack assembly and said right
rack assembly.

8. The modular checkout counter of claim 1 wherein said left hand showcase
and said right hand showcase each comprises a showcase base and a
showcase top assembly carried by said showcase base.

9. The modular checkout counter of claim 8 wherein said showcase base
comprises a pair of spaced-apart showcase end frames and a plurality of
rails extending between said showcase end frames.

10. The modular checkout counter of claim 9 further comprising at least
one slotted upright member having a plurality of slots carried by at
least one of said showcase end frames.

11. The modular checkout counter of claim 9 further comprising an inside
end panel provided in a first one of said showcase end frames generally
adjacent to said center showcase and an outside end panel provided in a
second one of said showcase end frames of said showcase base.

12. The modular checkout counter of claim 9 further comprising a main
panel extending between said showcase end frames of said showcase base.

13. A modular checkout counter, comprising:a generally elongated center
showcase having first and second ends;a generally elongated left hand
showcase provided at said first end of said center showcase;a generally
elongated right hand showcase provided at said second end of said center
showcase;a generally elongated box top assembly carried by said center
showcase and having a pair of spaced-apart end frame assemblies and a
plurality of rails extending between said end frame assemblies;a left
rack assembly carried by one of said center showcase and said left hand
showcase and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal
axis of said left hand showcase;a right rack assembly carried by one of
said center showcase and said right hand showcase generally adjacent to
said left rack assembly and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a
longitudinal axis of said right hand showcase;a top panel carried by said
box top assembly and said left rack assembly and said right rack
assembly;a module interior defined by and between said center showcase,
said left hand showcase, said right hand showcase, said box top assembly,
said left rack assembly and said right rack assembly; anda panel gap
defined by and between said left rack assembly and said right rack
assembly and communicating with said module interior.

14. The modular checkout counter of claim 13 wherein each of said end
frame assemblies of said box top assembly comprises an end frame and an
end frame hanging rack provided in said end frame.

15. The modular checkout counter of claim 14 further comprising an end
frame insertion panel provided in said end frame.

16. The modular checkout counter of claim 13 wherein each of said left
rack assembly and said right rack assembly comprises a rack assembly
frame and a hanging rack provided in said rack assembly frame.

17. The modular checkout counter of claim 13 wherein said left hand
showcase and said right hand showcase each comprises a showcase base and
a showcase top assembly carried by said showcase base.

18. The modular checkout counter of claim 17 further comprising a scan
slot provided in said showcase top assembly.

19. The modular checkout counter of claim 17 wherein said showcase base
comprises a pair of spaced-apart showcase end frames and a plurality of
rails extending between said showcase end frames.

20. The modular checkout counter of claim 17 wherein said showcase top
assembly comprises pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal
frame members; a pair of transverse frame members extending between said
longitudinal frame members; and a top assembly panel mounted between said
longitudinal frame members and said transverse frame members.

21. A modular checkout counter, comprising:a generally elongated center
showcase having a pair of spaced-apart center showcase end frames, a pair
of end frame insert panels provided in said center showcase end frames,
respectively, a plurality of rails connecting said center showcase end
frames and a pair of sliding doors extending between a pair of said
plurality of rails;a generally elongated left hand showcase provided at
said first end of said center showcase and comprising a left hand
showcase base having a pair of spaced-apart first and second showcase end
frames, an inside end panel provided in said first showcase end frame, an
outside end panel provided in said second showcase end frame, a plurality
of rails connecting said showcase end frames and a main panel extending
between a pair of said plurality of rails and a left hand showcase top
assembly provided on said left hand showcase base;a generally elongated
right hand showcase provided at said second end of said center showcase
and comprising a right hand showcase base having a pair of spaced-apart
first and second showcase end frames, an inside end panel provided in
said first showcase end frame, an outside end panel provided in said
second showcase end frame, a plurality of rails connecting said showcase
end frames and a main panel extending between a pair of said plurality of
rails and a right hand showcase top assembly provided on said right hand
showcase base;a generally elongated box top assembly carried by said
center showcase and having a pair of spaced-apart end frame assemblies
and a plurality of rails extending between said end frame
assemblies;wherein each of said end frame assemblies of said box top
assembly comprises an end frame, an end frame hanging rack provided in
said end frame and an end frame insertion panel provided in said end
frame adjacent to said end frame hanging rack;left and right rack
assemblies carried by said left hand showcase and said right hand
showcase, respectively, and oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to a
longitudinal axis of said left hand showcase and said right hand
showcase, respectively;wherein each of said left and right rack
assemblies comprises a rack assembly frame, a hanging rack provided in
said rack assembly frame and a rack assembly insert panel provided in
said rack assembly frame adjacent to said hanging rack;a top panel
carried by said box top assembly and said left and right rack
assemblies;a module interior defined by and between said center showcase,
said left hand showcase, said right hand showcase, said box top assembly,
said left rack assembly, said right rack assembly and said top panel;
anda panel gap defined by and between said left rack assembly and said
right rack assembly and communicating with said module interior.

22. The modular checkout counter of claim 21 further comprising at least
one attachment pin carried by said rack assembly frame of each of said
left and right rack assemblies and at least one attachment pin receptacle
carried by each of said left hand showcase and said right hand showcase
and receiving said at least one attachment pin.

23. The modular checkout counter of claim 21 wherein said left hand
showcase top assembly and said right hand showcase top assembly each
comprises a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal frame
members; a pair of transverse frame members extending between said
longitudinal frame members; and a top assembly panel mounted between said
longitudinal frame members and said transverse frame members.

24. The modular checkout counter of claim 23 further comprising a scan
slot provided in said top assembly panel.

Description:

FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates to merchandise storage, display and
dispensing systems and the like. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a modular checkout counter which can be
expeditiously assembled on-site and facilitates the storage, display,
dispensing and/or checkout of merchandise and the like in addition to
support of checkout equipment and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Merchandise storage, display and dispensing systems are commonly
used in retail outlets to store, display and/or dispense various types of
merchandise. Such systems vary considerably in design and may range from
relatively simple shelves on which the merchandise is supported to
elaborate metal assemblies having multiple arms from which the
merchandise is suspended. Some systems may include additional features
for supporting checkout equipment and/or other items which are used by
sales personnel.

[0003]Systems having complex structures may require considerable time and
labor to assemble. This may contribute to time and expense in preparing a
new retail outlet for use, particularly under circumstances in which the
structures must be repeatedly duplicated in chain retail outlets, for
example. Under such circumstances, product storage, display and
dispensing systems which are amenable to expeditious assembly and
installation would be advantageous.

SUMMARY

[0004]The present disclosure is generally directed to a modular checkout
counter. An illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter
includes a center showcase having first and second ends, a generally
elongated left hand showcase provided at the first end of the center
showcase, a generally elongated right hand showcase provided at the
second end of the center showcase, a box top assembly carried by the
center showcase, a left rack assembly carried by one of the center
showcase and the left hand showcase and oriented at an obtuse angle with
respect to a longitudinal axis of the left hand showcase and a right rack
assembly carried by one of the center showcase and the right hand
showcase generally adjacent to the left rack assembly and oriented at an
obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the right hand
showcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]The disclosure will now be made, by way of example, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of
the modular checkout counter;

[0007]FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a left hand showcase of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0009]FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the left hand
showcase;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a center showcase of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0011]FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the center showcase;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a right hand showcase of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0013]FIG. 8 is an exploded rear perspective view of the right hand
showcase;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a box top assembly of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0015]FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the box top
assembly;

[0016]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a left rack assembly of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter;

[0017]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the left rack assembly;

[0018]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a right rack assembly of an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter; and

[0019]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the right rack assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020]Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an
illustrative embodiment of the modular checkout counter is generally
indicated by reference numeral 1. The modular checkout counter 1 includes
a center showcase 2; a left hand showcase 34 and a right hand showcase
34a which are positioned on left and right sides, respectively, of the
center showcase 2; a box top assembly 72 which is provided on the center
showcase 2, a left rack assembly 100 and a right rack assembly 100a which
extend from respective ends of the center showcase 2 or from the left
hand showcase 34 and the right hand showcase 34a, respectively, at
respective ends of the center showcase 2; and a top panel 116 which is
provided on the box top assembly 72, the left rack assembly 100 and the
right rack assembly 100a. A drawer shield 114 may be provided on the
center showcase 2 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.

[0021]Referring next to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 of the drawings, the center
showcase 2 may have a generally elongated, rectangular configuration and
includes a pair of spaced-apart center showcase end frames 3. Each center
showcase end frame 3 may have a generally inverted U-shaped configuration
and may include, for example, a pair of generally elongated, spaced-apart
main frame segments 4 and a generally elongated connecting frame segment
5 which connects the main frame segments 4. A generally elongated end
frame bottom 7 may span the main frame segments 4. The end frame bottom 7
may be attached to the main frame segments 4 of the corresponding center
showcase end frame 3 using fasteners (not illustrated) and/or alternative
attachment technique known by those skilled in the art.

[0022]An end frame insert panel 28 may be mounted between the main frame
segments 4 of each center showcase end frame 3. The end frame insert
panel 28 may interface with the main frame segments 4 of the center
showcase end frame 3 using any suitable technique which is known by those
skilled in the art. In some embodiments, frame blades 6 extend along the
respective main frame segments 4 in facing relationship with respect to
each other. The frame blades 6 are inserted in respective blade slots
(not illustrated) provided in the respective edges of the end frame
insert panel 28. An end frame bottom blade 8 may extend along the end
frame bottom 7 for insertion into a blade slot (not illustrated) provided
in the lower edge of the end frame insert panel 28.

[0023]A rear top rail 10, a rear bottom rail 16, a front top rail 18 and a
kick plate 20 extend between and connect the center showcase end frames 3
of the center showcase 2. The rear top rail 10 may include, for example,
a generally elongated lower rail segment 11; a generally elongated upper
rail segment 12 which is disposed in generally parallel, spaced-apart
relationship with respect to the lower rail segment 11; and a pair of
spaced-apart connecting rail segments 13 which extends between the lower
rail segment 11 and the upper rail segment 12. The center showcase end
frames 3 may be attached to the rear top rail 10, the rear bottom rail
16, the front top rail 18 and the kick plate 20 using fasteners (not
illustrated) and/or alternative attachment techniques known by those
skilled in the art.

[0024]A pair of sliding doors 30 may be slidably mounted between the rear
bottom rail 16 and the lower rail segment 11 of the rear top rail 10
according to any suitable technique which is known by those skilled in
the art. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a pair of rail
channels 17 may extend along the rear bottom rail 16 and receive the
lower edge of each corresponding sliding door 30. A similar pair of rail
channels (not illustrated) may extend along the lower rail segment 11 of
the rear top rail 10 and engage the upper edge of each corresponding
sliding door 30.

[0025]A generally elongated slotted upright member 24 may extend along a
main frame segment 4 of each center showcase end frame 3, generally
adjacent to the rear top rail 10 and the rear bottom rail 16. Multiple
slots 25 may be provided in each slotted upright member 24 for purposes
which will be hereinafter described. Each slotted upright member 24 may
be attached to the main frame segment 4 of the corresponding center
showcase end frame 3 using fasteners (not illustrated) and/or alternative
attachment technique known by those skilled in the art.

[0026]As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a center showcase top assembly 31
is provided on the center showcase 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
center showcase top assembly 31 may include, for example, a top assembly
panel frame 33 which may have a generally C-shaped configuration. A top
assembly panel 32 is provided in the top assembly panel frame 33. A panel
notch 32a may be provided in the top assembly panel 32.

[0027]Referring next to FIGS. 1-4, 7 and 8 of the drawings, the left hand
showcase 34 of the modular checkout counter I includes a showcase base 41
(FIGS. 3 and 4) and a showcase top assembly 62 which is provided on the
showcase base 41. The right hand showcase 34a includes a showcase base
41a (FIGS. 7 and 8) and a showcase top assembly 62a which is provided on
the showcase base 41a. The showcase base 41 of the left hand showcase 34
and the showcase base 41a of the right hand showcase 34a may have a
similar construction and may generally be mirror-images of each other.
Likewise, the showcase top assembly 62 of the left hand showcase 34 and
the showcase top assembly 62a of the right hand showcase 34a may have a
similar construction and may be mirror-images of each other. The showcase
base 41 and the showcase top assembly 62 of the left hand showcase 34 and
the showcase base 41a and the showcase top assembly 62a of the right hand
showcase 34a may have a generally elongated, rectangular configuration.

[0028]As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, each of the showcase base 41
(FIGS. 3 and 4) of the left hand showcase 34 and the showcase base 41a
(FIGS. 7 and 8) of the right hand showcase 34a includes a pair of
spaced-apart showcase end frames 35. Each showcase end frame 35 may have
a generally U-shaped configuration and may include, for example, a pair
of generally elongated, spaced-apart main frame segments 36 and a
generally elongated connecting frame segment 37 which connects the main
frame segments 36. A generally elongated end frame bottom 39 may span the
main frame segments 36. The end frame bottom 39 may be attached to the
main frame segments 36 of the corresponding showcase end frame 35 using
fasteners (not illustrated) and/or alternative attachment technique known
by those skilled in the art.

[0029]An inside end panel 57 may be mounted between the main frame
segments 36 of one showcase end frame 35. An outside end panel 58 may be
mounted between the main frame segments 36 of the other showcase end
frame 35. The inside end panel 57 and the outside end panel 58 of the
corresponding showcase end frame 35 may interface with the main frame
segments 36 of the showcase end frame 35 using any suitable technique
which is known by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and
8, in some embodiments, frame blades 38 (one of which is shown) extend
along the respective main frame segments 36 in facing relationship with
respect to each other. The frame blades 38 are inserted into blade slots
(not illustrated) provided in respective edges of the inside end panel 57
and the outside end panel 58. As illustrated in FIG. 4, an end frame
bottom blade 40 may extend along the end frame bottom 39 for insertion
into a companion blade slot (not illustrated) provided in a lower edge of
the corresponding inside end panel 57 and outside end panel 58.

[0030]A rear top rail 46, a rear bottom rail 42, a front top rail 50 and a
kick plate 48 extend between and connect the showcase end frames 35 of
the showcase 41 and the showcase base 41a. The showcase end frames 35 may
be attached to the rear top rail 46, the rear bottom rail 42, the front
top rail 50 and the kick plate 48 using fasteners (not illustrated)
and/or alternative attachment techniques known by those skilled in the
art.

[0031]A main panel 56, which may have a generally elongated and
rectangular configuration, may be mounted between the rear bottom rail 42
and the rear top rail 46 according to the knowledge of those skilled in
the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, in some embodiments, a rail
blade 43 may extend along the rear bottom rail 42 for insertion into a
companion blade slot (not illustrated) provided in the lower edge of the
main panel 56. A similar rail blade (not illustrated) may extend along
the rear top rail 46 for insertion into a companion blade slot (not
illustrated) provided in the upper edge of the main panel 56.

[0032]A generally elongated slotted upright member 52 may extend along a
main frame segment 36 of each showcase end frame 35, generally adjacent
to the rear top rail 46 and the rear bottom rail 42. Multiple slots 53
(FIG. 8) may be provided in each slotted upright member 52 for purposes
which will be hereinafter described. Each slotted upright member 52 may
be attached to the main frame segment 36 of the corresponding showcase
end frame 35 using fasteners (not illustrated) and/or alternative
attachment technique known by those skilled in the art. Additionally, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, in some embodiments a frame blade 38a may
extend along a main frame segment 36 of each showcase end frame 35. A
companion blade slot (not illustrated) may be provided in each slotted
upright member 52 and receive the frame blade 38a to additionally secure
each slotted upright member 52 to the corresponding main frame segment
36.

[0033]As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left hand showcase 34
includes a showcase top assembly 62 which is provided on the showcase
base 41 and the right hand showcase 34a includes a showcase top assembly
62a which is provided on the showcase base 41a. The showcase top assembly
62 of the left hand showcase 34 and the showcase top assembly 62a of the
right hand showcase 34a may include, for example, a pair of generally
elongated, parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal frame members 63. A pair
of transverse frame members 64 connects the longitudinal frame members 63
at respective ends of the longitudinal frame members 63. A top assembly
panel 67, which may have a generally elongated, rectangular
configuration, is mounted in the longitudinal frame members 63 and the
transverse frame members 64. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a scan slot 68 may
be provided in the top assembly panel 67 of each showcase top assembly
62, 62a for purposes which will be hereinafter described.

[0034]The showcase top assembly 62 and the showcase top assembly 62a may
be attached to the showcase base 41 of the left hand showcase 34 and the
showcase base 41 a of the right hand showcase 34a, respectively, using
any suitable technique which is known by those skilled in the art. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a pair of spaced-apart side
flanges 66 extends from a transverse frame member 64 of each of the
showcase top assembly 62 and the showcase top assembly 62a and receives a
pair of threaded fasteners (not illustrated) which are threaded through
respective fastener openings (not numbered) provided in the outside end
panel 58 of the showcase base 41 and the showcase base 41a, respectively.
The showcase top assembly 62 and the showcase top assembly 62a may be
attached to the center showcase top assembly 31 using any suitable
technique which is known by those skilled in the art. In some
embodiments, an end flange 65 may extend from a transverse frame member
64 of each showcase top assembly 62, 62a to receive a threaded fastener
(not illustrated) which is threaded through a registering fastener
opening (not illustrated) provided in the top assembly panel frame 33 of
the center showcase top assembly 31.

[0035]Referring next to FIGS. 2, 9 and 10 of the drawings, the box top
assembly 72 of the modular checkout counter I includes a pair of
spaced-apart end frame assemblies 73. Each end frame assembly 73 includes
an end frame 74 which may have a generally inverted U-shaped
configuration. The end frame 74 includes a pair of generally elongated,
parallel, spaced-apart main frame segments 75 and a generally elongated
connecting frame segment 76 which connects the main frame segments 75. A
generally elongated end frame bottom 77 may be attached to the main frame
segments 75 of the connecting frame segment 76. The end frame bottom 77
may be attached to the main frame segments 75 of the connecting frame 76
using any suitable technique which is known by those skilled in the art.
In some embodiments, a pair of spaced-apart end frame bottom attachment
flanges 78 extends from the end frame bottom 77. A fastener (not
illustrated) is extended through a fastener opening (not illustrated)
provided in each end frame bottom attachment flange 78 and through a
registering fastener opening (not numbered) provided in each main frame
segment 75.

[0036]An end frame hanging rack 82 is mounted in the end frame 74 of each
end frame assembly 73. Each end frame hanging rack 82 may include
multiple, generally parallel, spaced-apart rack rods 83 and a reinforcing
member 84 which extends transverse to the rack rods 83. An end frame
insertion panel 85, which may have a generally elongated rectangular
configuration, may be provided in the end frame 74 of each end frame
assembly 73. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in each end frame assembly 73, the
end frame insertion panel 85 is typically located to the inside of the
corresponding end frame hanging rack 82.

[0037]A generally elongated assembly frame member 88 extends between the
end frame assemblies 73 of the box top assembly 72. A bottom panel insert
frame 90 and a top panel insert frame 92 also extend between the end
frame assemblies 73. The assembly frame member 88, the bottom panel
insert frame 90 and the top panel insert frame 92 may be attached to each
end frame assembly 73 using any suitable technique which is known by
those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, fasteners (not
illustrated) are extended through fastener openings (not numbered)
provided in each end frame 74 and threaded into respective fastener
openings (not numbered) provided in the respective assembly frame member
88, bottom panel insert frame 90 and top panel insert frame 92.

[0038]An insert panel 94, which may have a generally elongated,
rectangular configuration, extends between the end frame assemblies 73
and between the bottom panel insert frame 90 and the top panel insert
frame 92. The insert panel 94 may be attached to the bottom panel insert
frame 90 and the top panel insert frame 92 using any suitable technique
which is known by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a frame
blade 91 extends along the bottom panel insert frame 90 and is inserted
in a companion blade slot 95 provided in the edge of the insert panel 94.
A frame blade (not illustrated) may also extend from the top panel insert
frame 92 for insertion in the blade slot 95.

[0039]The box top assembly 72 may be attached to the center showcase 2 or
the left hand showcase 34 and right hand showcase 34a using any suitable
technique which is known by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in
FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a pair of spaced-apart box top assembly
attachment flanges 79 extends from the end frame bottom 77 of each end
frame assembly 73. Fasteners (not illustrated) are extended through
fastener openings (not illustrated) provided in the respective box top
assembly attachment flanges 79 and threaded into respective registering
fastener openings (not illustrated) provided in the center showcase 2 or
in the left hand showcase 34 and right hand showcase 34a.

[0040]Referring next to FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 -14 of the drawings, the left
rack assembly 100 (FIGS. 11 and 12) and the right rack assembly 100a
(FIGS. 13 and 14) may have a similar construction and may generally be
mirror-images of each other. The left rack assembly 100 and the right
rack assembly 100a may each include a rack assembly frame 101 which may
have a generally U-shaped configuration. The rack assembly frame 101 may
include, for example, a pair of generally elongated, spaced-apart,
parallel main frame segments 102. A generally elongated connecting frame
segment 103 extends between and connects the main frame segments 102. A
generally elongated, spanning frame top segment 106 may be attached to
the main frame segments 102 of the rack assembly frame 101 using any
suitable technique, such as by the use of threaded fasteners (not
illustrated), for example.

[0041]A hanging rack 110 is mounted in the rack assembly frame 101 of the
left rack assembly 100 and in the rack assembly frame 101 of the right
rack assembly 100a, respectively. The hanging rack 110 may include, for
example, multiple, parallel, spaced-apart rack rods 83 and a reinforcing
member 84 which extends transverse to the rack rods 83. A rack assembly
insert panel 111, which may have a generally elongated, rectangular
configuration, may be mounted in the rack assembly frame 101. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the rack assembly insert panel 111 is typically
located to the inside of the hanging rack 110 of the corresponding left
rack assembly 100 and right rack assembly 100a.

[0042]As illustrated in FIG. 1, the left rack assembly 100 and the right
rack assembly 100a extend from the inside showcase end frame 35 of the
left hand showcase 34 and the right hand showcase 34a, respectively.
Alternatively, the left rack assembly 100 and the right rack assembly
100a may extend from respective ends of the center showcase 2. Each rack
assembly 100, 100a is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the
inside end panel 57 of the corresponding left hand showcase 34 and right
hand showcase 34a. Each rack assembly 100, 100a may also be oriented at
an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the left hand
showcase 34 and the right hand showcase 34a. The left rack assembly 100
and the right rack assembly 100a may be attached to the main frame
segment 36 of the corresponding showcase end frame 35 using any suitable
technique which is known by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in
FIGS. 11-14, in some embodiments, a pair of spaced-apart attachment pins
104 extends from an outside main frame segment 102 of the rack assembly
frame 101. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a pair of spaced-apart attachment
pin receptacles 105 is provided on the main frame segment 36 of the
inside showcase end frame 35 and is adapted to receive the respective
attachment pins 104 on the corresponding rack assembly frame 101.
Alternatively, each pair of attachment pin receptacles 105 may be
provided on the corresponding center showcase end frame 3 of the center
showcase 2.

[0043]As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top panel 116 is attached to
the box top assembly 72, the left rack assembly 100 and the right rack
assembly 100a using any suitable technique which is known by those
skilled in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments
a pair of spaced-apart top panel attachment flanges 80 extends from the
connecting frame segment 76 of each end frame 74 on the box top assembly
72. Fasteners (not illustrated) are extended through respective fastener
openings (not numbered) provided in the respective top panel attachment
flanges 80 and threaded into respective fastener openings (not
illustrated) provided in the top panel 116 to attach the top panel 116 to
the box top assembly 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, in some
embodiments a pair of spaced-apart top panel attachment flanges 107
extends from the frame top segment 106 of each of the left rack assembly
100 and the right rack assembly 100a. Fasteners (not illustrated) are
extended through respective fastener openings (not numbered) provided in
the respective top panel attachment flanges 107 and threaded into
respective fastener openings (not illustrated) provided in the top panel
116 to attach the top panel 116 to the left rack assembly 100 and the
right rack assembly 100a. A power pole opening 117 may extend through the
top panel 116 to accommodate a power pole (not illustrated) fitted with
multiple electrical outlets (not illustrated). As illustrated in FIG. 1,
a module interior 9 is defined by and between the left rack assembly 100
and the right rack assembly 100a; the inside end panels 57 of the
respective left hand showcase 34 and right hand showcase 34a; the end
frame assemblies 73 and insert panel 94 (FIG.9) of the box top assembly
72; and the top panel 116. A panel gap 108 which is defined by and
between the left rack assembly 101 and the right rack assembly 101a
communicates with the module interior 9.

[0044]In typical application, the modular checkout counter 1 is assembled
in a retail outlet (not illustrated) to store, display and/or dispense
merchandise (not illustrated) and/or to support electronic equipment such
as computers, checkout devices and the like (not illustrated).
Accordingly, the center showcase 2; the left hand showcase 34; the right
hand showcase 34a; the box top assembly 72; and the left rack assembly
100 and the right rack assembly 100a are initially assembled, typically
in the manner which was heretofore described. The left hand showcase 34,
the right hand showcase 34a, the box top assembly 72, the left rack
assembly 100 and the right rack assembly 100a are attached to the center
showcase 2. The top panel 116 is attached to the box top assembly 72, the
left rack assembly 100 and the right rack assembly 100a. The drawer
shield 114 may be placed on the center showcase top assembly 31 on the
center showcase 2. A power pole (not illustrated) may be extended through
the power pole opening 117 of the top panel 116 and secured in place and
connected to a source of electrical power (not illustrated).

[0045]Merchandise-supporting brackets (not illustrated), which may be
conventional and from which merchandise may be suspended, may be attached
to the hanging rack 110 of either or both of the left rack assembly 100
and the right rack assembly 100a. The merchandise-supporting brackets may
additionally or alternatively be attached to one or both of the end frame
hanging racks 82 (FIG. 10) of the box top assembly 72. Merchandise may
also be stored out-of-sight in the center showcase 2 by sliding the
sliding doors 30 (FIG. 2). Checkout equipment (not illustrated) may be
placed on the center showcase top assembly 31 and/or on the showcase top
assembly 62, 62a of one or both of the left hand showcase 34 and the
right hand showcase 34a, respectively. Electronic equipment can be
plugged into the electrical outlets (not illustrated) of the power pole
(not illustrated) to power the electronic equipment. In embodiments in
which the scan slot 68 (FIG. 1) is provided in one or both showcase top
assemblies 62, 62a, electronic barcode scanning equipment (not
illustrated) may be placed in the showcase base 41, 41a and interface
with the scan slot 68 to facilitate barcode scanning of merchandise.
Additional merchandise and/or equipment can be placed on the top panel
116. An accessory such as a soda-dispensing machine (not illustrated),
for example, may be positioned in the module interior 9 (FIG. 1) and
accessed through the panel gap 108 between the left rack assembly 100 and
the right rack assembly 100a by customers in the retail outlet. It will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the modular construction
of the modular checkout counter 1 facilitates expeditious assembly and
installation in retail outlets and can be readily disassembled, as deemed
necessary, by reversing the assembly steps which were outlined herein
above.

[0046]While the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been
described above, it will be recognized and understood that various
modifications can be made to the embodiments and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit
and scope of the disclosure.